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Falcons Interview Jaguars Defensive Coordinator

The Jaguars play at New England in an AFC semifinal Saturday night. But the Falcons were able to interview Smith today because the Jaguars gave their permission. Under league rules, the Jaguars could have blocked the interview from taking place this week. The New York Giants barred the Falcons from interviewing their defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, this week. The Giants play at Dallas on Sunday.

The Falcons are scheduled to interview Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz on Friday. They'll join fellow NFL assistants Jason Garrett and Tony Sparano of Dallas, Jim Caldwell of Indianapolis and Rex Ryan of Baltimore among the candidates interviewed by the Falcons, who are also thought to be interested in San Francisco's Mike Singletary.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank reportedly spoke by phone Wednesday to USC Coach Pete Carroll but it is believed that Carroll will remain at Southern Cal.

The Falcons also are searching for a general manager. New York Giants executive Chris Mara withdrew from consideration. That leaves the Falcons considering front office executives Tom Heckert of Philadelphia, Chris Polian of Indianapolis, Reggie McKenzie and John Schneider of Green Bay, Gene Smith of Jacksonville and Tom Dimitroff of New England.